The author of the study has analyzed the innovation activity in the military sector of the UK economy. It is noted that in the past decade innovation processes assumed ever greater importance in the economic development of the UK, affecting not only on competitiveness but also on the security of the country. The special attention in the study is given to the development of the R&D. The amount and structure of military-oriented R & D funding and the basic transformation of public research organizations in the military sphere are examined. The innovation activity of the leading military-industrial companies of the UK is scrutinized. The examples of their participation in projects for the development of advanced weapons and military equipment are considered. The main directions of the government policy in the field of military innovation of the UK are also identified.